In 1942
the U.S. Army on Bataan surrendered to the Japanese and
70,000 American and Filipino soldiers became Prisoners of War. Over the
next three years, more than half of them died in Japanese
custody.

A few hundred Americans
refused to surrender, evaded the
Japanese Army, and slipped into the jungle to hide and await the return
of General MacArthur. Some joined Filipino guerrilla bands hoping to
help the war effort during the months they would wait. But months turned into
years, and there was no sign of General MacArthur or his army.

At home in the United
States their families waited for them, not knowing if their men were
dead or alive.

On this site you will find
information about the prisoners, the evaders and the guerrillas; and
about Bataan Diary, the remarkable true chronicle of Americans
trapped in the Philippines during the Japanese occupation. If you have
read the book, you can review some of the research materials used to
develop the story by clicking the "Research" button on the left side
of this screen.
If you are
not familiar with Bataan and the events that occurred there, may I
suggest that you read Bataan Diary--it is a great
way to learn about these brave men.